Sylvester Covin-2-25-2023

Sylvester Covin, 60, of Ocean Township, NJ, passed away on February 18, 2023. He was born and raised in Long Branch, NJ, and resided in Ocean Township over the last few years.

Sylvester matriculated through the Long Branch School system and was a star who set his path early in life as an actor.

While at Long Branch High School, he was groomed under the tutelage of Mr. Vincent J. Borelli, an esteemed drama teacher for the Green Wave. There, Sylvester was part of the Westwood Players, where he was known for his rendition of "What Happened To Baby Jane." He received numerous accolades for his performances including winning Best Supporting Actor for the play "George Mason" with the Bucks County Playhouse before graduating from LBHS in 1981.

After high school, Sylvester took his talents to Glassboro College, now known as Rowan University, where he continued to refine his acting skills by studying Theatre Arts. He was there briefly until he decided to take a leap of faith to pursue a professional career in acting.

Sylvester emerged in the New York City acting scene, landing gigs on shows like "Saturday Night Live" and was featured in the iconic rap group De La Soul’s "Me, Myself, & I" music video in 1989. He then landed his first acting role in a major film playing an executive in "Toxic Avenger II" and then "Toxic Avenger III," alongside Michael Jai White. He later appeared in the film "Head Games" in 1996.

Sylvester took a brief break from acting, going back to school where he completed an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts at Brookdale Community College. He also worked at Fort Monmouth as a dispatch engineer until his retirement.

In 2011, Sylvester made his return to acting in the web series "Dirty Laundry The Sitcom," making people laugh out of their seats. You can forever watch this legacy on YouTube.

Besides acting, he loved comics, especially Marvel comics and movies, the New York Giants, watching sports, cooking, and most of all, loved to laugh and live in the moment. He was always known to throw a good party and dance. And you knew it was "on and poppin" as he would say, when he entered the room.

He relished the moments when spending time with his family and friends. Sylvester never had children of his own but treated his nieces and nephews like they were his children. He always made sure to brag about his "children," and no was never an answer when in need.

Most of all, he loved the Lord and never wavered in appreciating God's grace and mercy.

Sylvester was predeceased by his brother, Ronnie Covin, his father Lonzy Covin, his sister Jacqueline Covin, his mother Ella Colbert Betts, his brother Kevin Cheatham, and his sister Carol Sanford.

He leaves to cherish his memory to his step-father Willie Betts of Long Branch, NJ, his sisters Christa Robinson and Leslie Sweet (his beloved sister who took care of him during his time of need), both of Long Branch, NJ; his brothers Glenn Covin, of Tampa, FL, Donald Covin, of Long Branch, NJ, Gregory Covin (Darlene), of Long Branch, NJ, Keith Covin, of Maryland, Raymond Covin (Denise), of New Brunswick, NJ, and Lonnie Moore, of Neptune, NJ; his beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

He will be sorely missed.